Europe's 17 best Christmas markets to visit in 2017

The Christmas Market idea originated in Germany back in the 13th Century. In recent years, the tradition has spread to cities all around Europe, and even further afield, with markets to be found in Canada, Australia and Japan. If you're looking for the very best, here are our picks of the ones to go to.

UK

You'll find Christmas markets in towns and cities across the country, with most high streets filled with the spicy aromas of mulled wine and gingerbread from early November. The country's biggest and best include:

1. London

This year there's a Scandinavian theme, tying into the Southbank Centre's year-long Nordic Matters Festival. As well as the food and drink, there'll be a few unusual surprises. We've heard rumours about a Finnish Sauna on the Royal Festival Hall's rooftop.

4. Birmingham

The Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham is, in fact, the largest traditional German-style market outside of Germany and Austria. It takes over Victoria Square and New Street, draping the area in Christmas decorations, and more than 120 traditional-style stalls.

There's also music at the cabin-style bandstand taking place daily throughout the market's run.

5. Frankfurt

...Or, for the full Frankfurt Christmas Market, you can fly direct to Frankfurt from London in just an hour and a half.

Frankfurt's Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Germany. And it's one of the country's largest too. It takes place in several locations around the city, including along the banks of the river Main and the perfectly preserved Romerberg market square.

Look out for giant Santa Claus sculptures made from gingerbread, and the free guided tours in English every Saturday and Sunday.

6. Dresden

Dresden's Striezelmarkt has been running since 1434. It's named after Hefestriezel - a local Christmas cake - which you might know now as Stollen.

They take Stollen very seriously in Dresden (the authentic local variety are marked with a gold seal), so you might want to time your visit with Stollenfest. It takes place on the first Saturday in Advent (9th December 2017), when giant Stollen are paraded through the city's streets. They end up in the heart of the market, where it's sliced up and served to the crowd.

Other highlights are world's largest Christmas Pyramid (a traditionally German wooden Christmas decoration). And the city is home to several other Christmas Markets, too.

7. Berlin

The German capital actually has around a hundred Christmas markets. Including theVery British Christmas Market, which brings English Christmas traditions to the city's St George's Episcopal Church.

The biggest, and most famous are the Berliner Weinachtszeit, in the Alexanderplatz. As well as handcrafts and food, there's a ferris wheel, a festive farm and an ice rink. Or there's the WeinachtsZauber in the Gendarmenmarkt square. That's where you'll find stalls, daily Christmas plays, and a big New Year's Eve party.

8. Cologne

Cologne's main market fills the streets around its beautiful cathedral with charming chalets.

However, Cologne's other Christmas Markets are what makes the city a bit different to the rest. The highlight being the "Christmas Avenue" Gay and Lesbian Christmas Market.

Cologne has one of the largest LGBTQ communities in Germany, and one of its largest Pride Parades. And this celebratory atmosphere carries over into the "Bermuda Triangle" gay district's market, with cheekily adult festive pressies, and camp-as-Christmas live performances.

Austria

9. Vienna

As you'd expect from the home of the snowglobe, Vienna's pretty good at Christmas.

The Krippenmarkt dates back to 1298, but there are now more than 20 official markets spread throughout the city centre. The most famous is Christkindlmarkt, which takes place in front of, and throughout, the city's Rathaus.

The Christmas Village at the Belvedere Palace is also worth seeing. The stalls are set against the backdrop of one of the city's most beautiful buildings.

And, if you're visiting Vienna for its famous new year's celebrations, stop by the market in the gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace. It runs through the festive period into the start of January.

France

10. Strasbourg

France's oldest and largest market can be found just on the German border, in Strasbourg. Dating back to 1570, it's believed to be the first example of a Christmas Market in the style we'd recognise today.

The Christkindelsmarik has been voted the best Christmas Market in Europe on multiple occasions. The city describes itself as the "Capital of Christmas", and with dozens of kilometres' worth of decorations around town, it's hard to argue with that.

If you visit the Christkindelsmarik, look out for the guest-country village. A different country every year is invited to bring some of their own Christmas traditions to the town. You'll also find the Village of Sharing right by the Great Christmas Tree. This section of market is run by charities and humanitarian organisations, offering ethical Christmas gifts and products.

11. Lille

Lille is less than an hour and a half from London, and easily reachable on the Eurostar.

The Marche de Noel is centred around Place Rihour, although the festive decorations cover the entire city. The market has more than 80 stalls, with hand-made gifts from as far afield as Russia and America.

The Netherlands

14. Amsterdam

During the days around Christmas, Amsterdam's Museumplein square is given a full Christmas makeover, and is transformed into the Ice* Village Amsterdam.

With an ice rink, live entertainment and winter-time fun and games, the Ice* Village offers a taste of the traditional Dutch Christmas.

However, Amsterdam's trendier side is also reflected in the season's celebrations. The hip clothing and homeware store Sissy-Boy hosts their own Christmas market, offering chic and stylish gifts. The Westergasfabriek creative district also has its own Funky Xmas Market, with live music and items on sale from local artists and designers.

If you choose to pay the city a visit, be sure to set aside some time to see the sights, as Amsterdam's a fabulous winter destination. Here's our guide to what to do in the city during the season.

Hungary

15. Budapest

For something a bit further afield, take a look at Budapest's Christmas markets. There are two in the city, one taking place in the historic Vorosmarty Square, and the other at the foot of the city's Basilica. Both feature food and craft stalls, but you can choose between free concerts in Vorosmarty Square, or high-tech laser projections at the Bacilica.

Whichever market you choose to explore, be sure to sample a bit of traditional Hungarian "Chimney Cake" while you wander around the stalls.

You'll also find plenty of other Christmas celebrations all over the city, from an ice rink in the city park to a special Santa tram service. The city's famous spa baths also get in on the action with special Christmas and New Year's parties.

Croatia

16. Zagreb

Croatia is rapidly becoming one of Europe's hottest destinations. And the Advent celebrations in its capital, Zagreb, are some of the most fashionable around at the moment. The city's Christmas Market was even named Europe's best by travelers in 2016.

The biggest market takes place in the streets around the central Jelacic Square. Here you'll find traditional Croatian gifts and food, as well as a stage offering free concerts. There's also a Jolly Christmas Tram service, offering kids the chance to take a trip with santa, fairies, elves and other festive characters.

Elsewhere, a live nativity scene springs up by the city's main cathedral, King Tomislav square is transformed into an ice rink, and balconies around the city are turned into pop-up concert venues.

A more modern market can be found in European Square, which hosts concerts and exhibitions, while offering gourmet treats and stylish gifts. The area around the city's funicular also joins in the celebrations, with the Fooling Around festival bringing international Christmas traditions to the city.

If you're interested in exploring more of Croatia's beautiful scenery and charming cities, check out our other suggestions of places to visit in Croatia.

Fancy discovering Europe's Christmas Markets for yourself? We've put together some great deals on our favourite Christmas market breaks here. And for more festive ideas, a little closer to home, check out our guide to Christmas events in the UK.

Do you have any recommendations for magical Christmas markets and events, which you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments.

Europe's 17 best Christmas markets to visit in 2017

The Christmas Market idea originated in Germany back in the 13th Century. In recent years, the tradition has spread to cities all around Europe, and even further afield, with markets to be found in Canada, Australia and Japan. If you're looking for the very best, here are our picks of the ones to go to.

UK

You'll find Christmas markets in towns and cities across the country, with most high streets filled with the spicy aromas of mulled wine and gingerbread from early November. The country's biggest and best include:

1. London

This year there's a Scandinavian theme, tying into the Southbank Centre's year-long Nordic Matters Festival. As well as the food and drink, there'll be a few unusual surprises. We've heard rumours about a Finnish Sauna on the Royal Festival Hall's rooftop.

4. Birmingham

The Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham is, in fact, the largest traditional German-style market outside of Germany and Austria. It takes over Victoria Square and New Street, draping the area in Christmas decorations, and more than 120 traditional-style stalls.

There's also music at the cabin-style bandstand taking place daily throughout the market's run.

5. Frankfurt

...Or, for the full Frankfurt Christmas Market, you can fly direct to Frankfurt from London in just an hour and a half.

Frankfurt's Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Germany. And it's one of the country's largest too. It takes place in several locations around the city, including along the banks of the river Main and the perfectly preserved Romerberg market square.

Look out for giant Santa Claus sculptures made from gingerbread, and the free guided tours in English every Saturday and Sunday.

6. Dresden

Dresden's Striezelmarkt has been running since 1434. It's named after Hefestriezel - a local Christmas cake - which you might know now as Stollen.

They take Stollen very seriously in Dresden (the authentic local variety are marked with a gold seal), so you might want to time your visit with Stollenfest. It takes place on the first Saturday in Advent (9th December 2017), when giant Stollen are paraded through the city's streets. They end up in the heart of the market, where it's sliced up and served to the crowd.

Other highlights are world's largest Christmas Pyramid (a traditionally German wooden Christmas decoration). And the city is home to several other Christmas Markets, too.

7. Berlin

The German capital actually has around a hundred Christmas markets. Including theVery British Christmas Market, which brings English Christmas traditions to the city's St George's Episcopal Church.

The biggest, and most famous are the Berliner Weinachtszeit, in the Alexanderplatz. As well as handcrafts and food, there's a ferris wheel, a festive farm and an ice rink. Or there's the WeinachtsZauber in the Gendarmenmarkt square. That's where you'll find stalls, daily Christmas plays, and a big New Year's Eve party.

8. Cologne

Cologne's main market fills the streets around its beautiful cathedral with charming chalets.

However, Cologne's other Christmas Markets are what makes the city a bit different to the rest. The highlight being the "Christmas Avenue" Gay and Lesbian Christmas Market.

Cologne has one of the largest LGBTQ communities in Germany, and one of its largest Pride Parades. And this celebratory atmosphere carries over into the "Bermuda Triangle" gay district's market, with cheekily adult festive pressies, and camp-as-Christmas live performances.

Austria

9. Vienna

As you'd expect from the home of the snowglobe, Vienna's pretty good at Christmas.

The Krippenmarkt dates back to 1298, but there are now more than 20 official markets spread throughout the city centre. The most famous is Christkindlmarkt, which takes place in front of, and throughout, the city's Rathaus.

The Christmas Village at the Belvedere Palace is also worth seeing. The stalls are set against the backdrop of one of the city's most beautiful buildings.

And, if you're visiting Vienna for its famous new year's celebrations, stop by the market in the gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace. It runs through the festive period into the start of January.

France

10. Strasbourg

France's oldest and largest market can be found just on the German border, in Strasbourg. Dating back to 1570, it's believed to be the first example of a Christmas Market in the style we'd recognise today.

The Christkindelsmarik has been voted the best Christmas Market in Europe on multiple occasions. The city describes itself as the "Capital of Christmas", and with dozens of kilometres' worth of decorations around town, it's hard to argue with that.

If you visit the Christkindelsmarik, look out for the guest-country village. A different country every year is invited to bring some of their own Christmas traditions to the town. You'll also find the Village of Sharing right by the Great Christmas Tree. This section of market is run by charities and humanitarian organisations, offering ethical Christmas gifts and products.

11. Lille

Lille is less than an hour and a half from London, and easily reachable on the Eurostar.

The Marche de Noel is centred around Place Rihour, although the festive decorations cover the entire city. The market has more than 80 stalls, with hand-made gifts from as far afield as Russia and America.

The Netherlands

14. Amsterdam

During the days around Christmas, Amsterdam's Museumplein square is given a full Christmas makeover, and is transformed into the Ice* Village Amsterdam.

With an ice rink, live entertainment and winter-time fun and games, the Ice* Village offers a taste of the traditional Dutch Christmas.

However, Amsterdam's trendier side is also reflected in the season's celebrations. The hip clothing and homeware store Sissy-Boy hosts their own Christmas market, offering chic and stylish gifts. The Westergasfabriek creative district also has its own Funky Xmas Market, with live music and items on sale from local artists and designers.

If you choose to pay the city a visit, be sure to set aside some time to see the sights, as Amsterdam's a fabulous winter destination. Here's our guide to what to do in the city during the season.

Hungary

15. Budapest

For something a bit further afield, take a look at Budapest's Christmas markets. There are two in the city, one taking place in the historic Vorosmarty Square, and the other at the foot of the city's Basilica. Both feature food and craft stalls, but you can choose between free concerts in Vorosmarty Square, or high-tech laser projections at the Bacilica.

Whichever market you choose to explore, be sure to sample a bit of traditional Hungarian "Chimney Cake" while you wander around the stalls.

You'll also find plenty of other Christmas celebrations all over the city, from an ice rink in the city park to a special Santa tram service. The city's famous spa baths also get in on the action with special Christmas and New Year's parties.

Croatia

16. Zagreb

Croatia is rapidly becoming one of Europe's hottest destinations. And the Advent celebrations in its capital, Zagreb, are some of the most fashionable around at the moment. The city's Christmas Market was even named Europe's best by travelers in 2016.

The biggest market takes place in the streets around the central Jelacic Square. Here you'll find traditional Croatian gifts and food, as well as a stage offering free concerts. There's also a Jolly Christmas Tram service, offering kids the chance to take a trip with santa, fairies, elves and other festive characters.

Elsewhere, a live nativity scene springs up by the city's main cathedral, King Tomislav square is transformed into an ice rink, and balconies around the city are turned into pop-up concert venues.

A more modern market can be found in European Square, which hosts concerts and exhibitions, while offering gourmet treats and stylish gifts. The area around the city's funicular also joins in the celebrations, with the Fooling Around festival bringing international Christmas traditions to the city.

If you're interested in exploring more of Croatia's beautiful scenery and charming cities, check out our other suggestions of places to visit in Croatia.

Fancy discovering Europe's Christmas Markets for yourself? We've put together some great deals on our favourite Christmas market breaks here. And for more festive ideas, a little closer to home, check out our guide to Christmas events in the UK.

Do you have any recommendations for magical Christmas markets and events, which you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments.